You just had a car accident. Your mind is reeling, you are trying to process what happened, and you have a million things to deal with – doctor visits, car repairs, missed work. The last thing you need is a phone call from the other driver’s insurance company. But the phone keeps ringing, and you are wondering, should I pick it up, and what will happen if I do?
As experienced personal injury attorneys, the legal team at Ruhmann Law Firm has guided countless clients through this exact situation. The short answer is no, you should not speak with the other insurance company. Here is what you need to know.
The Adjuster’s Motivation
First, it is important to understand the insurance adjuster’s goals and motivations when they call you. Their job is to minimize what their company has to pay out on the claim. They are not reaching out to check on your well-being or make sure you get fair compensation; quite the opposite.
The adjuster hopes to get you to say something that can be used against you later to deny, delay, or minimize your claim. Maybe they can get you to admit fault or apologize. Maybe they catch you saying you feel fine before your injuries fully manifest. Adjusters are trained to ask misleading questions and trick you into damaging your case.
Your Statements Can Be Used Against You
Many people do not realize that anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used as evidence later. There is no “off the record” – the conversation is being documented in notes and possibly recorded.
You could make an innocent statement taken out of context to imply fault. You could accidentally get a key detail wrong, making your story seem inconsistent later. Something you mention offhand could be twisted to claim your injuries are exaggerated. It is just too risky to engage in this conversation.
The Adjuster Does Not Need Your Statement
The adjuster may tell you they need to get your side of the story to process the claim. Do not fall for this. They can determine fault through police reports, witness accounts, physical evidence, and the insured’s own testimony. Your statement is not required and will only be used to poke holes in your case.
How to Respond
So what should you do when an adjuster calls? Here are some simple tips:
- Politely tell them you are not comfortable discussing the accident at this time
- Do not answer any questions about what happened or your injuries
- Tell them to contact your attorney if you have one
- If you do not have an attorney yet, say you will have one Call them back
- Do not agree to give any recorded statements
- Hang up if the adjuster keeps pressing you
Protecting Your Rights
The best way to deal with an insurance adjuster is not to deal with them at all. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to handle all communications and advocate for your best interests. At Ruhmann Law Firm, we have dealt with insurance companies for decades. We know their tactics, and we know how to fight back. Call our law firm for a free consultation.